Inderjit (@InderjitDeogun) is an Art History graduate, an environmentalist and a loud-and-proud bookworm. When she’s not fighting against climate change, she has her nose stuck in a book. With a particular love for children’s literature, Inderjit believes a word can be worth a thousand pictures. This is her second year participating in the 50 Book Pledge. To visit Inderjit’s bookshelf click here and be sure to check back monthly for her 50 Book Pledge updates!

I always seem to gravitate towards the same type of books. “Hefty” books that deal with sweeping themes of family, identity, loss, love and relationships. These books are complex, heartbreaking and polarizing. After reading the final pages I’m either spouting profanities or utterly speechless.

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by JonasJonasson is summed up perfectly by the following sentence: “A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it’s not too late to start over…” That centenarian is Allan Karlsson, the most interesting protagonist you’ll ever encounter. Jonasson not only tells of Allan’s great escape, and the ensuing chaos, but also of his astonishing life. A life that’s one part unparalleled globetrotting adventure and one part fascinating characters. If you like action and history, this is the book for you! Also, it doesn’t hurt that you’ll be laughing out loud till the very last page.

Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by RobinSloan is exactly what it sounds like: An indie bookstore that’s open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. But there’s more to Mr. Penumbra’s than meets the eye. Mysterious customers frequent the bookstore never buying but always checking out obscure volumes. Everything from their clothing to conversation to demeanor is recorded in ancient tomes. It’s not long before Clay Jannon, our protagonist, resolves to uncover the secret Mr. Penumbra has held for years. Bringing together the print and digital landscapes that comprise today’s book world, Mr. Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore is the quintessential book lover’s book. And it dares to pose the question all readers have been confronted with every time they must make their next selection: What do you seek in these shelves?

The Rosie Project by GraemeSimsion is best described as a “romantic comedy” in book form. Don Tillman is a brilliant scientist but when it comes to social situations he’s no Humphrey Bogart. To aid in his search for the perfect mate, Don constructs a sixteen-page questionnaire that he presents to every candidate. The endeavour entitled the “Wife Project” is quickly sidelined when Rosie Jarman unexpectedly arrives in his office. She’s everything Don’s not looking for; however, he can’t shake the inclination to help Rosie find her biological father. Don will make you cringe, laugh and cry. For something that’s both charming and unconventional look no further than The Rosie Project.

Each one of the above books is funny, light but intelligent, and perfect for summer reading. So find some shade, take a seat and dive right in. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed.